Image Credit: Jefferson County Government & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
Jefferson County Commissioner Marcus Reed (R-Jefferson City) has been concerned about county employee compensation since he was elected to office in 2018.
As a former department head with E-911 Emergency Communications, he believes that adequate compensation for county employees is critical to attract and keep quality personnel in key areas, especially law enforcement. At the present time, Jefferson County is behind many other jurisdictions on officer pay.
“Since the budget was passed and the new fiscal year started July 1, 2024, I have lost 4 officers to other departments that pay a higher salary with comparable benefits. We are so far behind on salary that an officer can easily increase their pay by $11,000 just by moving to a different department within the county.” – said Jeff Coffey, Jefferson County Sheriff
Reed has stated that taxpayers need to be part of the discussion, and the solution, and is calling on them to attend a special-called meeting on November 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. He has a reputation for encouraging citizen participation with respect to critical decisions that may have an impact on vital services and tax policy.
Among the tax proposals being discussed is a mineral severance tax on zinc mining bi-products such as gravel and chert for which Tennessee law authorizes a maximum rate of 15 cents per ton, with an exception for agricultural limestone. The other tax option that may come into play is a wheel tax that has failed multiple times in previous votes. Reed favors a referendum vote to allow citizens to be part of the decision if new wheel tax is proposed in the future.
Commissioner Austin Brooks (R-White Pine) secured the necessary signatures on a petition to call a special meeting so that commissioners can discuss the sheriff’s department and library system employee compensation. The meeting agenda will have time set aside for citizen input on those two specific topics.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
